When was the last time you were in nature and truly slowed down?

​Not walking for exercise, not on your phone, or talking in conversation—but being fully present?

My name is Kelly Hutchison. I’m an author, artist, and certified forest therapy guide.

I’ve spent over 20 years working in health and wellness and have been a nature lover my whole life; it wasn’t until I trained as a forest therapy guide in 2018 that I really understood how powerful nature can be—not just as something beautiful to look at, but as something that deeply supports our well-being.

Now, my work is centred around helping people connect with nature in simple, meaningful ways.
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I do this in two main ways. The first is through an art publishing business I share with my husband. Together, we bring nature into indoor spaces—homes, health and wellness centres, including hospitals and work environments. We do this through our book that celebrates the landscape of the place we call home—Vancouver Island. As well as fine art prints, calendars, and art cards. The other way is through guided forest therapy walks. As a guide, I help people to step out of their busy lives and into a slower, more intentional experience with the natural world.

Forest therapy is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing.” And while it may sound simple, there is science-backed research showing that spending two mindful hours a week in nature can lower stress, improve mood, reduce blood pressure, support our immunity and overall health.

Doctors and health care professionals are also realizing these powerful benefits; in Canada, they are now prescribing time in nature to their patients. I am proud to be a part of this new initiative as a member of Nature and Forest Therapy of Canada and PaRx (Parksprescription.ca —Canada’s Nature Prescription).

Beyond the research, I have personally experienced the healing benefits of this practice.

Six years ago, I was in an unhealthy relationship and felt anxious, stuck, and alone. It was through quiet, mindful time in nature—forest therapy—that I began to feel a shift. This practice gave me space to think clearly, to reconnect with myself, and eventually to find the strength to make big changes in my life. It helped me to find joy, peace and clarity during a difficult time. I also began to paint and write again after years of ignoring my heart’s calling.

A few years later, it brought an unexpected gift—meeting my husband in a park while forest bathing.

So when I guide people, it’s not about hiking or covering distance. It’s about slowing down, engaging the senses, and creating space for whatever someone might need—whether that’s rest, clarity, or simply a moment of calm. As Amos Clifford, the founder of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, beautifully says, "the guide is not there to speak for the forest. The guide is there to create space for the forest to speak."

Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to guide a mother and daughter on a private walk at Moorecroft Regional Park in Nanoose Bay. Before we began, I learned that they were in the middle of a stressful time in their lives—temporarily living in B&Bs and navigating demanding jobs. 

As our 2.5-hour walk progressed, I could sense the stress beginning to soften and lift. I enjoyed witnessing how engaged they both were with the simple invitations. The sun was out, and the weather was perfect. Just a few days before, the area had strong winds and rain. I was grateful to have been blessed with divine conditions for this walk. At the end of our time together, while sharing nettle tea, both women expressed gratitude for the experience. Closing words included appreciation for the slow walk in the woods and a sense of peace and calm they had not felt in a long time.

​This filled my heart—reminding me why I share this practice, and what happens when you finally slow down in the forest.

I love to forest bathe with my dogs, especially sitting with them in a "sit spot" near the end of our walk.  I have a favourite place that I like to go, in a secluded neighborhood park, that has a bench and is surrounded by beautiful cedar, chestnut, and fruit trees.  Today we sat together for about fifteen minutes, just using our senses to notice.  I have found that my dogs do best after they have walked awhile, burnt off some energy, done some sniffing and of course, done their "business".  If you decide to do a "sit spot" just find a place in nature that calls to you, sit, and do nothing, just relax. You might find that the first five minutes or so they are impatient, or whiny, and your own mind begins to wander, however in time this will dissipate for all. I notice that the longer I sit, the more patient and calmer we all become. 

Today the songbirds were out and we were sitting near a magnificent chestnut tree.  When I entered the park, I felt her beckoning to me, to come and be near her.  I have walked to this beautiful sanctuary for many years, and she has become like an old friend knowing the stories in my heart. Everything is okay she said, just come sit with me awhile, and be still.  So we all sat together my dogs, and I.  My oldest girl is twelve (photo above), loves to whine, and can be very impatient.  It took her about five minutes to settle and join me in the sit spot.  As I sat I quietly noticed my body as it too started to calm, my breathing became softer, and my mind relaxed.  Then my second girl joined us, sitting motionless and just noticing.  

​Together we forest bathed --in the distance I could hear the sound of water from a nearby creek, the ocean waves, the songbirds singing and feeling a gentle breeze on my face and skin.  My girls were looking up, and I wondered, what are they seeing? So, I followed their lead,  looking up and noticing the slow movement of clouds and some sunlight trying to come through.  The little bit of sun felt good, and I experienced joy in that moment. The branches on the tops of the cedar trees were swaying in the wind, and a flock of songbirds flew quickly by, scattering from the sound of a moving vehicle.  Together they moved on,  finding shelter in some distant trees.  There must have been at least fifty hiding in the tops of the cedar trees today.  My girls were quiet now, just being in that moment in time, as though nothing else mattered.

The wind picked up.  I love the sound of the wind; it is music to my heart.  Silence in nature, is music to my ears.